Times of India

India's defence self-reliance receives a significant boost as DRDO successfully completes final trials for its unmanned aerial vehicle launched precision guided missile (ULPGM)-V3. Developed entirely within the Indian defence ecosystem, the missile is ready for mass production, confirming a mature domestic supply chain.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi created IPL history by becoming the first Indian batter to hit 50 sixes in a single season. The 15-year-old smashed 93 off 38 balls, including 10 sixes, for Rajasthan Royals against Lucknow Super Giants. His explosive innings helped Rajasthan stay in the chase after Mitchell Marsh’s 96 powered LSG to 220/5.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is projected as the leading buyer for the Seattle Seahawks. The NFL team was owned by late former Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. After his passing in 2018, it is now managed by her sister Jody Allen under the Paul G. Allen Trust. It is now officially up for sale. Jeff Bezos has shown interest in owning a local NFL franchise for over seven years. The sale process is expected to conclude by the 2026 offseason.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was eventually dismissed on 93 off 38 balls.​

India is set to host a crucial Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) meeting, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expected to attend. This high-level gathering, involving India, the US, Japan, and Australia, is seen as a strategic move to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific. The meeting will likely address critical mineral supply chains and regional security concerns.

A new unified RERA portal now centralises real estate project information nationwide, offering homebuyers unprecedented transparency and ease of access. Buyers can now verify project registrations, builder compliance, and complaint statuses on a single platform, simplifying the purchasing process and reducing reliance on builder claims. This initiative aims to streamline data and empower consumers.

NHL trade rumors are heating up as free agency approaches, and Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres is reportedly in the Edmonton Oilers’ crosshairs. Recent rumors suggest Tuch’s contract value is taking a hit due to his inconsistent play in the playoffs. It’s an opportunity for Edmonton, who are searching for top-six scoring depth and tight salary cap restrictions and roster restructuring needs.

According to the government, India has around 60 days of petroleum supplies in various forms including strategic reserves. But if 20% of the world’s crude supply remains disrupted over 2.5 months of the war, where is India getting its oil from?

An alleged rape accused in Ghaziabad received a triumphant welcome from supporters upon his bail, with videos showing him being carried on shoulders amidst cheers and a procession. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the state government, calling the reception reprehensible and highlighting the perceived hypocrisy.

India and the UAE have significantly deepened their defence ties in 2026, moving towards joint industrial production of advanced weaponry and enhanced maritime and cyber security. This strategic partnership, backed by substantial UAE investment, aims to bolster India's defence manufacturing and secure vital trade routes amidst regional instability.

India’s Test squad for the Afghanistan match will be led by Shubman Gill, with KL Rahul replacing Rishabh Pant as vice-captain.

India have announced squads for the Afghanistan one-off Test and ODI series, with Ravindra Jadeja rested from the series. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli feature in the ODI squad, though Rohit and Hardik Pandya’s participation remains subject to fitness clearance. Shubman Gill will lead India in both formats, while Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey and Prince Yadav are among the notable inclusions.

India's ambitious piped natural gas expansion is significantly behind schedule, with city gas distribution companies connecting only a fraction of the government's daily target. Acute shortages of certified gas plumbers and weak consumer uptake, particularly in rental housing, are major impediments to achieving the 2030 goal.